Nationals outright LHP Nitkowski, call up INF Short

WASHINGTON (AP) The Washington Nationals outrighted left-hander C.J. Nitkowski to Triple-A New Orleans on Wednesday night and will call up infielder Rick Short, a career minor leaguer who has never played in the majors.

Nitkowski, 0-0 with an 8.10 ERA in seven appearances with the Nationals, said he hasn't decided whether to accept the assignment to New Orleans.

He was the only left-hander on Washington's pitching staff since being signed May 26, the day he was released by the Pittsburgh Pirates' Triple-A affiliate. The moves provide an extra bench player for the Nationals, who had been carrying 12 pitchers.

"I understand they need to make a move, and I didn't get off to the start I wanted to," Nitkowski said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity. I wish I had captured it a little better."

On Tuesday night against Oakland, Nitkowski was brought in to face two left-handed batters. He walked one, and gave up a hit to the other.

Short, 32, is in his 12th season in the minors. He was hitting .341 with 16 doubles, five homers and 30 RBIs for New Orleans.

He has 1,235 career hits in the minors.